Legendary Willie G. Davidson to Retire From Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson won't quite be the same after today's announcement: Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of H-D founder William A. Davidson, is set to retire after a 49-year tenure which most recently titled him as "Styling Chief."

Davidson was responsible for the look of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including watermarks like the Low Rider, Heritage Softail Classic, Fat Boy, V-Rod and Street Glide. He's been around during both flush and tough times, and was one of 13 executives who bought back the company from AMF in 1981.

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"Throughout my life," he said of his career, "I have been truly fortunate to have the opportunity to marry my passion for design with my love for this amazing brand that runs so deeply in my veins."

Though he will remain a brand ambassador for Harley-Davidson and hold the title of Chief Styling Emeritus for Special Design Projects, the Motor Company's bike design will now be overseen by Vice President and Director of Styling Ray Drea, a 19-year Harley veteran.